Holidays Can Be So Much Fun (and Beneficial) - As-Salamu Alaykum

As-Salamu Alaykum parents - some simple ideas to make your kids’ vacation both enjoyable and rewarding. By Umm Ammarah “Dad, what can I do next?” “Mum, I’m BORED!” Holidays can be challenging for parents trying to keep children busy. But with a positive, creative and hands-on approach, vacations can be full of fun and also a chance to recharge our children’s spiritual batteries. It’s a welcome break from busy routines - let’s make the most of it. Kids will get excited at first, but soon enough the dreaded “I’M BORED!” can appear. The good news is that many activities need only a little creativity and planning. Children are bright and full of energy - we should nurture that in ways that don’t compromise our Islamic values. Here are some simple, low-cost ideas to keep the holidays lively, Islamic and meaningful for the whole family. PRAYER - Make sure prayers stay on time and encourage children to be keen about salah, especially when the family is together. If the mosque is nearby, men should attend; if not, pray together at home. Pray in congregation where possible. Let older boys call the adhaan, and give the youngest a small “salaah manager” role (laying out prayer rugs, keeping time, reminding everyone). Salah is central to our lives and should not be neglected. ENVIRONMENT - Keep to places and activities that don’t clash with our way of life. Avoid holiday spots where immoral behaviour or free mixing is common. Children are impressionable and can be influenced by what they see; be consistent and firm in upholding Islamic values. INTERACT - Spend time talking with your kids in a calm, wise way. If parents build a strong rapport early, children are more likely to turn to them than to peer pressure later on. Time together builds good relationships and lasting influence. TEACH - Use holiday time for interactive learning. Plan projects, games and tasks with an Islamic flavour. Teach Qur’an and Hadith in practical, fun ways. Encourage memorization competitions or simple study goals - make learning part of the fun. READ - Fill their free hours with good Islamic books and stories from the Qur’an that teach morals and strengthen faith. Read to them before bed or tell stories during family time - this helps character-building and keeps them away from unsuitable literature. CO-OPERATION - Teach children the value of teamwork by involving them in family tasks. Reward cooperative behaviour and show how patience and working together benefit everyone. SPORTS - Physical activity is good for body and soul. Choose sports that fit within Islamic guidelines and pause for prayer when needed. Encourage saying Bismillah before starting, or using words like Allahu Akbar in admiration of good play. Recommended activities include swimming (with appropriate modesty), horse riding, archery and athletics - all practised by the Salaf and encouraged by the sunnah. HOUSEHOLD TASKS - Give kids simple chores: baking, tidying their room, helping set the table. A rota can help share responsibilities and teach discipline. ZIKR & QUR’AN - Encourage zikr, Qur’an recitation and dua as daily habits. Practically engaging in remembrance helps make it a natural part of life - “In the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” PLAN AN EVENT - Aim for one family treat each week. Ask the children where they’d like to go: a picnic, a trip to the zoo, feeding birds in the park, visiting an orphanage, or a simple family outing. These small events create memories and keep holidays exciting while staying within Islamic bounds. GARDENING - Let them plant flowers or vegetables and learn about Allah’s creation. Caring for plants teaches responsibility and connects them to nature. PLAY - Play with your children: ball games, building with blocks, colouring, or other simple activities. The Prophet (peace be upon him) loved and played with children - letting them have fun is part of showing love. LOVE - Show love with time and attention rather than just gifts. Small gestures of affection and presence are remembered far longer than material things. Win their hearts by being there for them. AVOID SIN - Keep the holiday free from things that harm iman: cinemas or movies with immoral content, inappropriate games or music, and unsafe online chatrooms. Instead, provide nasheeds, beneficial talks or Islamic audio for them to enjoy. FRIENDS - Be mindful of who your children spend time with. Good company strengthens deen; poor company can weaken it. Encourage friendships with pious, positive peers and arrange family-friendly group activities. So mums and dads, be cheerful and positive - holidays can be joyful and spiritually uplifting for both you and your kids. Use this time to build character, strengthen iman, and enjoy being together as a family in ways that please Allah. May Allah bless your time together and make it beneficial. Ameen.